1. Important Interviewing Points
Dr. Donald K. McConnell Jr.
9/17/2018

2. What is the interviewer looking for?
Persons who will fit in their culture
If you’re going to be an auditor, do you like people?
Good answers to situational type questions
A well rounded individual: your grades can actually be too good!
Have you done more than the minimum: have you been involved in outside activities?
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3. What is the interviewer looking for (Cont.) ?
Have you been an officer or Committee Chairman?
Do you appear interested?
Can you carry on a conversation?
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4. Oral expression during the interview
Speak clearly, concisely and with confidence
Make eye contact
Interviewers want people with good communication skills
Try to appear calm and composed
Don’t be intimidated – they are people just like you
Don’t freeze, but don’t seem to eager
Realize the interviewing process is a game, but don’t be someone you are not!
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5. Quality of questions asked during the interview
Never ask questions which are answered in company’s brochure
Never fail to read those brochures
Ask questions, but not just to say something
Research the firm or company on the Internet
See Bird’s packet: questions which you might ask, or be asked
UTA has mock interviewing sessions to help you smooth out the edges
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6. Expression of personal and professional goals
Convey a sense of knowing what you want to do
What office to you want to interview for?
Be prepared to address this question: “Where do you see yourself five years from now?”
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7. Appropriate interview attire
Conservative business attire
No business casual on the interview unless it was recommended by a professional
Well groomed and neat appearance
Pants suits are okay for women
Clothing, hair styles, facial hair: If in question, don’t!
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8. Be on time; not even slightly late
A must do!
Says something about your interest in the position
Reflects on your dependability as an employee
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9. Accounting and overall GPA
If it isn’t what you’d like, be able to explain why
If so, consider showing two grade point averages on your resume
Interviewers surprisingly receptive to reasonable explanations
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10. Expression of why the Company or firm should hire you
What are your unique talents and strengths?
Be prepared to answer what your strengths are
Be prepared to answer what you’re weaknesses are, but make this a positive
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11. The total person Ability to discuss current events
They are looking for well rounded individuals
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12. Quality of your resume
Good, tight introductory paragraph of employment objectives
No misspellings, poor grammar, sloppy appearance
Try to get it on one page; two at most for entry level resume
Indicate references provided upon request
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13. Some final points
Do not wait till your graduation semester to begin interviewing!
Use each interview as a learning tool
Networking: recruiters recruit at student events, not during the interview
Meet the firm members at these meetings. That’s how you sell yourself!
9/17/2018